Frequently Asked Questions

Hypnobirthing

  • Hypnobirthing is a childbirth education course that focuses on preparing parents for a positive birth experience. It teaches techniques such as deep relaxation, visualization, and self-hypnosis to manage pain and reduce fear and stress during childbirth.

  • In hypnobirthing, you are not hypnotised in the traditional sense. Instead, the process involves self-hypnosis or deep relaxation techniques. This means you remain fully in control and aware, but you learn to enter a deeply relaxed state. This relaxation helps to reduce fear and anxiety, which can in turn reduce pain perception during childbirth. The goal is to achieve a calm, peaceful state of mind that enables you to work with your body during labour and birth.

  • Unlike traditional childbirth classes, which often focus on the mechanics of birth and potential medical interventions, hypnobirthing emphasises natural pain management techniques and aims to create a calm, serene birthing environment. It focuses more on the mind-body connection and the power of positive thinking.

  • It's recommended to start hypnobirthing classes between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy. This timing allows expectant parents to practice the techniques learned and become comfortable with them before the birth.

  • Absolutely. Hypnobirthing is beneficial for any birth setting, including hospitals. It equips you with tools to remain calm and focused, regardless of the environment or circumstances of the birth.

  • Yes, hypnobirthing techniques can be helpful for C-sections as well. The relaxation and breathing techniques can reduce anxiety and promote a more positive experience, even in a surgical setting.

  • Partners are encouraged to attend hypnobirthing classes. Their involvement can be instrumental in supporting and applying the techniques during labour and delivery.

  • While hypnobirthing aims to reduce pain and anxiety, it does not guarantee a completely pain-free labour. However, many women report a more comfortable and manageable experience when using hypnobirthing techniques.

Postpartum Doula

  • A postpartum doula provides emotional, physical, and informational support to a new mother and her family during the postpartum period. This can include assistance with newborn care, family adjustment, meal preparation, and light household tidying. They also offer evidence-based information on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from birth, and strategies for infant soothing.

  • A postpartum doula provides a non-judgmental, empathetic space for you to share your birth story and experiences. This emotional support helps in processing your journey and promotes healing.

  • A postpartum doula offers support and information on breastfeeding or bottle feeding, helping with techniques and ensuring both you and your baby are comfortable and successful in feeding.

  • Yes, they can provide referrals to the best local support services, whether it's for healthcare, parenting advice, or any other specific needs you might have during the postpartum period.

  • Yes, a postpartum doula can attend postpartum appointments with you. Their role is to provide support, help with understanding medical advice, and assist in any way required during these visits.

  • Midwives, nurses, and GPs are a trained health professional who assists with the birthing process. A postpartum doula offers more holistic support, encompassing emotional support, educational guidance, and practical help in the home.

  • The duration can vary based on the family’s needs. Some families may have a postpartum doula for just a few days, while others might require support for several weeks or even months.

  • It’s recommended to start looking for a postpartum doula during pregnancy, so you can establish a relationship and ensure their availability when you need them after the birth of your baby.

  • A postpartum doula supports the entire family by helping integrate the new baby into the home, assisting with sibling adjustment, and offering guidance on how to create a nurturing and restful environment for everyone.

  • Absolutely. A postpartum doula can be especially helpful after a C-section, providing support during the recovery period, which might include assistance with mobility, infant care, and self-care.

Massage

  • Mama Whānau offers a deeply nurturing pregnancy massage that is uniquely designed to balance and relax expectant mothers. It focuses on soothing aching muscles, reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and balancing energy, all within a tranquil sanctuary-like setting.

  • Benefits include relaxation and stress relief, balancing energy, providing physical comfort and relief from aches, and fostering a connection and bonding experience between mother and baby.

  • Each session is customized to the individual needs and stage of pregnancy of the mother. Special supports and positioning are used to ensure maximum comfort and safety during the massage.

  • Pregnancy massages at Mama Whānau are recommended from 20+ weeks of pregnancy onwards.

  • The 'Closing of the Bones' is an ancient ceremony included in the postpartum massage. It involves gentle hand movements around the belly, hips, and pelvic area to promote healing in the womb, along with wrapping the mother in a traditional shawl, the Rebozo, for a gentle rocking motion, helping to realign the body and acknowledge the challenges and achievements of pregnancy and childbirth.

  • The ideal time for a postpartum massage is 6-12 weeks after giving birth, but it can be beneficial even years later.

  • Yes, it’s advisable to book these sessions in advance to ensure availability, especially considering the specific timing recommendations for each.

  • Specific preparation instructions are provided upon booking, but generally, it’s recommended to wear comfortable clothing and to allow some time for relaxation both before and after the session.